Find out if the shoes you wear could actually be causing your foot problems.

Our feet take a lot of abuse, even from the shoes we wear. Think about it: maybe you wear tight-fitted loafers or high heels to work every day. Perhaps you think you’re giving your feet a reprieve when you wear your comfy athletic shoes, but, unfortunately, you haven’t replaced them in years. And, when summer hits, it’s time to pull out the flip-flops and sandals, which often don’t provide enough support, so it’s not surprising for our Avon, CT podiatrist, Dr. Richard Grayson, to hear that you are experiencing heel pain. Could it really be the result of your shoes or is there something more going on?

If you are someone who has high arches, you’ll want to be careful about which kind of footwear you opt for. You will only want to wear shoes that provide extra cushioning and have a short heel (nothing higher than 2 inches). If you experience pain due to flat feet, then it might be time to talk to our Avon, CT, foot doctor about whether custom orthotics (also known as shoe inserts) could provide you with the relief you need.

Those with flat feet or high arches are more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition that often causes persistent heel pain. If you don’t offer your feet the proper arch support they need, you may end up dealing with nasty and painful conditions, like bunions or hammertoes.

If you are an athlete who works out or plays a sport three or more times a week, then you need to wear the proper shoes for exercise. Opt for quality running shoes and turn to a specialty shoe store to help fit you with the right shoes that will provide enough stability and support to prevent heel pain, fractures and other issues that can befall athletes. You should also replace these shoes every 3-4 months. If you don’t replace your athletic shoes often enough, then this might just be the reason you are dealing with heel pain.

While it’s much easier to follow this advice during the colder months, once summer hits it’s important that you avoid wearing flip-flops as much as possible. While they are a must-have to protect your feet when using gym showers and locker rooms, they shouldn’t be worn for walking long distances. If you are someone who just can’t part with your flip-flops, then this could certainly be causing your heel pain.

Don’t let heel pain dictate your day-to-day schedule. Nix your pain in no time by turning to Avon Podiatry Associates in Avon, CT, for the proper treatment plan that will get you back on your feet in no time.